India closely monitoring power struggle in Pakistan

India said on Thursday that while closely monitoring the power struggle in Pakistan, it was diligently following a "hands off" policy, not favouring to take sides in the quagmire in its neighbourhood.

Various sections of the government are carefully monitoring the unfolding situation in the neighbouring country. But the Indian establishment here does not want to jump the gun and support any of the warring groups in Pakistan with whom it revived the comprehensive dialogue last year. The Composite Dialogue was suspended following 26/11 but was inexplicably resumed without Pakistan fulfilling any of the pre-conditions.

Addressing a press meet, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said: "We are closely following developments in Pakistan." But when asked whether the Cabinet Committee on Security discussed the issue when it met on Thursday, he replied in the negative.

Meanwhile, in a separate press conference, army chief Gen V.K. Singh pointed out that the country's defence forces were always on alert to tackle any situation. However, when asked whether any alert had been issued on the borders in view of the deteriorating situation in Pakistan, he said: "Nothing like that."

"So far as forces are concerned, they have their own methodologies, drills and standard operating procedures which they follow... We don't have to wait for somebody to tell us to be more alert. We are always alert," he added.

Official sources pointed out that as Pakistan's immediate neighbour, India remained worried over the political instability of a nuclear armed nation where terror groups continue to thrive. "The dilemma is whom do we deal with in Pakistan. But then we will engage with the government of the day in Islamabad," a source said.

The sources, though, expressed surprise over the Pakistan judiciary's role in the political crisis. It was felt that the judiciary is not playing a role to strengthen the democratic institutions. The government is also monitoring former President Pervez Musharraf's decision to return to the country and the role that he intends to play on his return. Former Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan's political moves are also being watched.

Commerce minister Anand Sharma is expected to travel to Pakistan next month for talks with his counterpart on expanding trade ties. This will be the first ministerial visit from India after Pakistan decided to grant the Most Favoured Nation status to India.